Look Towards Home, Mr. Rangel
Reader comment on: Come Home, Mr. Rangel

Submitted by Michael Taylor, Nov 13, 2006 11:38

If you want to know how the congressman thinks just look at how he handled the Enpowerment Zone for his constituents on 125th street. Small business people had to go elsewhere while corporations got tax breaks for opening another chain in Harlem. Yet less than five years later, several (HMV, Disney, Krispey Kreme) have already closed their doors. He is another politician who just doesn't understand the nature of economics and the value of the small entrepreneur alongside corporate businesses. Another question to ask would be why would you want to stay in New York if brownstones and condos are going for over a million compared to three bedroom homes in the sunbelt with an average price around $300,000. It's not just the business climate but the quality of life as well. Besides with the growing suburbanization of Manhattan, this city is no longer the cutting edge. Artists and creative people are moving elsewhere. The middle class is getting squeezed out of the city as housing, taxes and childcare costs continue to soar. The sad truth is that Messrs Rangel and Pataki are unable to stop the outflow of people taking their dreams and ambitions out of New York.

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